White Mountains Online

Buena Vista Trail #637

 
 

Arizona's White Mountains

Elevation: 6,520 - 6,773 feet.

Season: Early spring to early winter

Use: Moderate

Length: 9.0 miles

Difficulty: Moderate for hiking. Moderate for horses. Moderate for bikes.

Attractions and Considerations: Buena Vista is a beautiful trail just a short drive from Show Low. The trail meanders through ponderosa pine and manzanita. There are several good views of the surrounding forest as well as of Show Low and White Mountain Apache Reservation to the south.

Sections of loose rock on short steep grades may prove difficult for bicyclists. The trail utilizes and crosses many old roads and trails. It is easy to lose the trail briefly. Expect this. Have patience and simply backtrack to where you got off the trail.

The sandy soil along much of the trail is great for people who are interested in animal tracks. Tracks from beetles to scorpions to elk will show up in sand. Trail-users may also notice that the trail passes through parts of a recent timber sale.

Access and Trailhead Location: From downtown Show Low, drive 4.8 miles west towards the White Mountain Apache Reservation. Pass the Summer Pines turnoff. Just after mile post 337 you'll see a sign, "Entering the White Mountain Apache Reservation." Turn left before the sign on to FR 300 (Rim Road). Drive 300 yards. Trailhead is on the left.


Suggestions: Bring Your Own Water!
Trail Markers:
Y(ellow)=Short Loop
G(reen)=Connector
R(ed)=Vista
T(urquoise)=Trail Marker

Buena Vista Locator Map

Click here for topographical map!
File size: 78K
Use your browser's back button to return to this page!

 

For more information, please feel free to contact:

  • TRACKS, c/o Town of Pinetop-Lakeside, Parks & Recreation Dept., 1360 N. Niels Hansen Road, Lakeside, Arizona 85929, Telephone: (928) 368-6700
  • USDA Forest Service, Lakeside Ranger District at 928.368.5111 or you may write us at 2022 W. White Mtn. Blvd., Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona 85935
White Mountains Online wishes to express our appreciation to the USDA Forest Service, Alpine District for providing this information!
For more information, please feel free to contact the USDA Forest Service, Alpine Ranger District at 520.339.4384 or you may write us at P.O. Box 469 Alpine, Arizona 85920